Peri-Implantitis: Can I Avoid It? | NYC Periodontist

Posted January 19, 2016.

Dental implants can be an amazing way to replace missing teeth and have already helped thousands of people worldwide. However if you do choose to have dental implants then you need to know about one possible complication which is called peri-implantitis. This condition isn’t very well known but can create serious complications with dental implants. It is caused by a bacterial infection similar to gum disease and which can result in the loss of supporting bone around the dental implant. It is not exactly known if the infection causes the bone to recede, or if bone loss allows infection to take hold and up until a few years ago this condition didn’t even really exist.

Peri-Implantitis: What Are the Symptoms?

Peri-implantitis comes after a milder condition called peri-implantitis mucositis has developed. This particular disease is common and is easily treatable. It is characterized by gums that bleed when gently probed and which may look swollen or red. If this disease isn’t detected at this time then there is a possibility it will develop into peri-implantitis. One of the problems about jawbone loss is that it is painless and many people will be unaware it is happening until there are significant problems with the dental implant.

Suitable Periodontal Treatment in New York

If you do have dental implants and haven’t visited your dentist for a while and are at all concerned you may have this condition, then it’s best to visit a periodontist, for example D & D Periodontal Associates. With prompt treatment, it’s possible that your dental implants may be saved and a periodontist is the best person to assess this complex condition and will recommend the most suitable treatments. Often this will mean deep dental cleaning the area around your dental implants to try to remove the infection and regenerative surgical periodontal treatment may also be required to help repair the damaged caused by peri-implantitis.

Proper Oral Hygiene to Prevent Dental Implants Problems

The good news is that with proper oral hygiene there is a greatly reduced risk of developing peri- implantitis and this is why you will find your periodontist stresses the need for good oral care after you have dental implant treatment. Dental implants are quite an investment and it’s important that you do everything possible to protect them and to preserve your smile. This is quite straightforward to do as it is vital that you visit your dentist or periodontist for proper evaluations at regular intervals, as frequently as recommended.

How to Take Care of Your Dental Implant

If you have a history of periodontal disease or if you smoke, then you may need more frequent checkups than someone who is at lower risk. Professional periodontal cleaning will also help keep the area around your dental implants free from infection and of course it’s important that you spend some time thoroughly cleaning around your dental implants every day. You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day and you should never skip flossing. Sometimes people find it easier to use interdental brushes to clean around dental implants as it’s important to remove any plaque and food debris before it can create infection.

Peri-implantitis is a worrying condition but with proper dental care there is no reason to let this put you off having dental implants and enjoying all the benefits they can bring.